Jazzy Summer Nights opens 25th and final season at Hopkins Plaza

By Ericka Alston BuckSpecial to the AFRO

The nice and cozy summer time air was full with nostalgia and bass beats as greater than 1,000 individuals packed into Hopkins Plaza on Thursday Might 1st for the opening of the twenty fifth and remaining season of Jazzy Summer season Nights—an occasion collection that’s grow to be nothing in need of a cultural establishment in Baltimore.

“It simply felt proper,” mentioned Larian Finney, managing associate of The Finn Group, the longtime organizers of the occasion. “We began this right here in 2000. Hopkins Plaza is the place the rhythm started, and for our remaining season, we wished to carry it dwelling.”

There was no reside musical headliner for this opener, however you wouldn’t have recognized it by the electrical vitality within the crowd. As a substitute, a few of the area’s hottest DJs—DJ Sizzling Toddy, Mr. Unimaginable, DJ Manny, and DJ Hello-Def—tag-teamed the turntables, delivering high-octane units that saved the gang dancing from 6 to 10PM..

The DJs weren’t alone in bringing the fireplace. The Bearded Drummer, whose reside percussion layered seamlessly with the beats, stole the present greater than as soon as.

The gang? Impeccable. Decked out in daring prints, flowing attire, summer time fits and sun shades effectively previous sunset, everybody got here able to really feel one thing. The vibe was electrical however secure, vigorous however respectful—precisely the type of expertise Finney says he’s proud to have cultivated over time.

“There’s by no means been an incident at Jazzy Summer season Nights. Not one,” he mentioned, throughout his handle. “We are available peace, and we depart in peace.”

Tiffany James, 41, has been attending because the first Jazzy Summer season Night time in 2000. “Again then it was folding chairs and a pair hundred individuals. Now, it’s like a reunion, a celebration, and a non secular reset multi functional,” she mentioned, her fingers lifted to the sky as DJ Sizzling Toddy dropped a soulful remix of “Earlier than I Let Go.”

Throughout the gang, Carlos Benton, 34, visiting from D.C., couldn’t cease transferring at his first Jazzy Summer season Nights expertise. 

“The vibe right here is unreal—no drama, simply pleasure,” mentioned Benton. “It’s like all people determined to have the perfect night time of their summer time, collectively.”

Halfway by means of the night, Finney returned to the mic with heartfelt gratitude—and a nod to the previous.

“We’ve hosted this collection on waterfronts and courtyards. Nevertheless it didn’t matter the place we had been, since you all saved displaying up. That’s love.”

As the gang roared again in settlement, he welcomed first-timers and day-ones alike: “To the OGs who’ve been rocking with us since 2000, and to these dancing right here for the primary time tonight—thanks for serving to us write this story.”

Arielle Turner, 28, smiled as she leaned into her good friend to shout over the music: “You simply really feel secure right here. You possibly can let go. You’re surrounded by individuals who need the identical factor: good music, good individuals, good peace.”

If opening night time was any indication, the ultimate season of Jazzy Summer season Nights is on monitor to be unforgettable. Finney unveiled the total 2025 lineup to loud cheers.

On June 5, Kindred The Household Soul will carry out, with DJs NO-ID and Kenny Okay on the set. On July 3, Raheem DeVaughn takes the stage, that includes DJ Keebee and DJ Supreme. On August 7, the Go-Go Museum All-Stars will carry that D.C. vitality, accompanied by DJ Farrah Flosscett and DJ Tanz. On September 5, Woman Alma will headline, with DJ Quicksilva and pals. And at last, on October 2, Morgan State College’s Homecoming celebration will characteristic none apart from Dru Hill, with DJs P Drama and DJ Circulate closing out the season.

Because the solar set over Hopkins Plaza and metropolis lights flickered on, Finney closed with a message that struck a chord:

Because the music soared and the gang swayed, it was clear—this wasn’t only the start of the tip. It was a strong, joyful reminder of every part that’s made Jazzy Summer season Nights a Baltimore treasure for 25 unforgettable years.

“Every year, we’ve pushed to create an expertise, not simply an occasion,” he mentioned. “Jazzy Summer season Nights has at all times been about group, connection and celebration. Let’s make this remaining season the boldest, brightest, and Blackest one but.”